Based in regional NSW, the Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) organisation has unveiled plans for a new facility in the historic heart of Lismore. The design aims to create a new cultural hub for performing arts within a historic timber factory, known as The Joinery.
Since losing their previous base at the town’s city hall in the region’s 2022 floods, NORPA has worked with Sydney-based architect Chrofi to develop a vision for the new facility. The initiative seeks to transform the 3,000-square-metre timber factory into a flood-resistant and flexible community space.
Director at Chrofi John Choi commented, “The Joinery project is an opportunity to embrace creativity and innovation in flood resilience. Rather than resisting the elements, we see this as a chance to work with them – designing spaces that not only provide shelter during flood events but also invite and engage the Lismore arts community.”
Chrofi maintain that the heart of the vision is the existing building itself, whose “bones and fabric hold a beauty that makes it an inspiring backdrop for creative expression,” said Choi. Adapting the current fabric, their renovation proposal includes new elements that allow the free passage of floodwater and debris, along with robust and hard-wearing materials that can withstand inundation – the objective being to maximise the building’s capacity to dry out quickly.
Inside, the project is designed to host large, versatile spaces supporting live performances, workshops and rehearsal spaces for professional artists. According to a media communique from NORPA, “The Joinery can accommodate multiple resident companies and also attract national and international visiting artists.”
NORPA’s artistic director Julian Louis shared, “This is much more than a building; it’s a commitment to our region, fuelling new opportunities for the role of the arts in disaster recovery and forging partnerships beyond the arts – with community, social and commercial organisations. Our long-term vision involves adapting it into a contemporary cultural facility that is nationally recognised and reflects the bold creativity of our region.”
“The Joinery location places us at the heart of town, directly contributing to its energy and economy,” explained NORPA executive director Libby Lincoln. “This new home for NORPA will be a creative catalyst for the region’s many artists, for First Nations perspectives and for community-driven projects that celebrate the region’s unique identity and collective healing journey.”
NORPA are currently seeking funding to purchase the Hampton and Larsson timber factory site in order to realise the vision. According to a communique from the organisation, NORPA believes the project represents “a powerful precedent for how the arts can drive community renewal in the face of climate disasters.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
